The unemployment rate in the northwest Georgia region declined to 8.4 percent in November, down three-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.4 percent in November 2011.

The rate declined because of fewer new layoffs, represented by first-time claims for unemployment insurance benefits. There were 121 fewer layoffs in construction, trade, transportation and warehousing, administrative and support services, educational services, health care and social assistance, and accommodations and food services.

Metro Athens had the lowest area jobless rate at 6.2 percent, while metro Dalton had the highest at 11 percent.

Meanwhile, Georgia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 8.5 percent in November, down two-tenths of a percentage point from 8.7 percent in October. The rate was 9.5 percent in November a year ago.

Statewide, there were 3,984,000 jobs in November, up 9,600, or two-tenths of a percentage point, from 3,974,400 in October. Over the year, Georgia gained 61,900 jobs, or 1.6 percent, from 3,922,100 in November 2011.